What are Huntsville Public Records?
Pursuant to the APRL, Huntsville public records include all forms of written, typed, or printed documents generated or obtained pursuant to law. They could be documents, papers, letters, books, and maps. These records are under the purview of public officers at all levels and subdivisions of government. Huntsville public records also include records approved by any law of the state relating to any court of record or any other public record authorized by law or any paper, pleading, exhibit, or other writing filed with, in, or by any court, office, or officer of that type. The APRL exempts all records for public libraries, schools, and universities and records concerning citizen’s safety and security from public access and disclosure.
Huntsville Crime Statistics
The Statistical Analysis Center of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency works with the various law enforcement agencies in the state and provides a compilation of crime figures in Alabama. In 2017, Huntsville reported a total number of 10,998 crimes, comprising 1,766 violent crimes and 9,232 property crimes. Violent crimes include 22 homicides, 172 rapes, 360 robberies, and 1,212 assaults. Property crimes include 1,428 burglaries, 6,758 larcenies, and 1,046 motor vehicle thefts.
The 2017 crime figures reveal a slight increase in Huntsville crime rates over five years. Between 2013 and 2017, there was an increase in five out of seven major crimes in the city. Homicide, rape, assault, larceny, and motor vehicle thefts increased by 267%, 65%, 27%, 4%, and 44% respectively. Robbery and burglary rates declined by 8% and 25% respectively.
Are Huntsville Criminal Records Public?
Huntsville criminal records are official documents containing information about a person’s criminal activity and history. It provides information about arrests, charges, prosecution, pleas, and convictions or sentences. Huntsville criminal records are mostly accessible to the record owner and employers that want to carry out background checks on prospective employees.
The Huntsville Police Department conducts background checks for employment. Interested persons should visit 815 Wheeler Avenue from Monday to Friday; between 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This service costs between $5 to $10. Accepted payments are cash or check only, payable to the City of Huntsville. The subject of the check must present a valid ID at the time of the request. Contact (256) 427-7128 for more information.
The Criminal Records Identification Unit of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) carries out background checks and provides copies of criminal records at the state level.
How to Obtain Huntsville Police Reports and Arrest Records?
The Huntsville Police Department is in charge of Huntsville arrest records and police reports. Interested persons may request a police report from the Records Division from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is located at 815 Wheeler Avenue. The requester must be a victim or reporting party on the report to have access to a copy. A requester will also be required to provide the following information:
- Valid ID
- Case report number
- Time and location of the incident
- Reason for the request of the report
For persons that are neither the victim nor reporting party, they need to obtain a record subpoenaed to obtain a full copy of the report. A report costs $10. Payment methods include cash or check only, payable to the City of Huntsville. It takes an average of 72 hours to process a request. For more information call (256) 427-7020.
Persons interested in traffic accident reports can make online or in-person requests. To make an in-person request, visit the Records Division of the Huntsville Police Department between Monday to Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The requester will need to provide the following:
- Valid ID
- Accident number
- Time and location of the incident
It takes around 72 hours to process requests. A traffic crash report costs $10. Pay with cash or check only, payable to the City of Huntsville. For more information call (256) 427-7020. Where the accident was investigated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Highway Patrol, requesters can obtain information by calling (256) 539-0681.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Huntsville?
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency maintains information on all registered sex offenders in the state. It provides their information to the general public through the Alabama Sex Offender Registry. Huntsville residents can search this registry to search and locate sex offenders living in their area. Interested persons can also register for email alerts to get regular updates relating to sex offenders.
How to Find Huntsville Inmate Records?
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office administers the operations of the facility used to keep inmates in Madison County, including Huntsville City. It also maintains the records of inmates incarcerated in jail. Residents of Huntsville can search for inmate information through the public online search tool. Or call the jail facility with (256) 519-4800 for more inmate information.
At the state level, the Alabama Department of Corrections provides an inmate search tool that allows the general public to search for information about inmates held in correctional facilities in the state. This search portal provides different search options, including the inmate’s name or AIS (Alabama Institutional Serial) number.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Huntsville Jail?
Inmates incarcerated for more than 30 days can receive visitors. Visitation days are from Monday to Thursday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Prospective visitors should schedule visits a week before the actual visit by calling (256) 519-4864. This number can be called from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. The Madison County Detention Facility address and contact information are below:
Physical Address:
815 Wheeler Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35801
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2047
Huntsville, AL 35804
Main Line: (256) 519-4800
Administration: (256) 519-4839
Administration Fax: (256) 519-4840
jail@madisoncountyal.gov
Court Records
The City of Huntsville is part of Madison County’s court system. The court system comprises one Circuit Court, one District Court, one Probate Court, and six Municipal Courts. These courts exercise jurisdiction over cases of different subject matters, including civil, criminal, probate, traffic, family and domestic, and small claims matters. It provides the general public with access to court and administrative records.
Location of Courts in Huntsville
Madison County Circuit Court
Madison County Courthouse
100 Northside Square
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 532-3380
Fax: (256) 532-3768
Madison County District Court
Madison County Courthouse
100 Northside Square
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 532-3380
Fax: (256) 532-3768
Madison County Probate Court
Madison County Courthouse
100 Northside Square, #101
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 532-3330
Madison County Municipal Courts
Gurley Municipal Court
235 Walker Street
P.O. Box 128
Gurley, AL 35748
Phone: (256) 776-3313
Huntsville Municipal Court
815 Wheeler Avenue
P.O. Box 2829
Huntsville, AL 35804
Phone: (256) 427-7800
Fax: (256) 427-7829
Madison Municipal Court
Madison Municipal Complex
100 Hughes Road
Madison, AL 35758
Phone: (256) 772-5617
Fax: (256) 464-9596
New Hope Municipal Court
5496 Main Drive
P.O. Box 419
New Hope, AL 35760
Phone: (256) 723-2616
Owens Cross Roads Municipal Court
2965 Highway 431 South
P.O. Box 158
Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763
Phone: (256) 725-4163
Triana Municipal Court
640 6th Street
Madison, AL 35756
Phone: (256) 772-0151
Fax: (256) 464-5099
Are Huntsville Court Records Public?
Huntsville court records are considered public records. The general public can access all public records in Huntsville City and Madison County. Residents of Huntsville can request and copy court records unless access is restricted by the court or by law.
How to Obtain Huntsville Civil Court Case Records?
The Madison County Circuit Clerk maintains court records on behalf of Madison County and its cities, including Huntsville. Huntsville civil court records are available through in-person and mail requests. Interested individuals can get copies of civil court records by filling out the request for records form. The applicant should provide their contact information and case number (if known). Make requests to specify the type of information requested. Archived records cost $25 each, while there is a $20 fee for computerized records, and $20 for paper records. A 20-paged (paper of electronic page) costs $5. There is an additional 50 cents for each additional page and $5 for each additional certification.
Mail requests can be sent to the:
Madison County Circuit Clerk
Records Request
District Court Division
Madison County Courthouse
100 Northside Square
Huntsville, AL 35801
To access probate court records use the court’s online index search system. The search options provided include the name or any known case number.
How to Obtain Huntsville Criminal Court Records?
The Madison County Circuit Clerk issues copies of Huntsville criminal court records. Requesters can make in-person and mail requests for Huntsville criminal court records. To get copies of criminal court records, complete the request for records form. Provide relevant contact information and case number (if known). Enclose the applicable fees with the completed form and submit it to:
Madison County Circuit Clerk
Records Request
District Court Division
Madison County Courthouse
100 Northside Square
Huntsville, AL 35801
What are Huntsville Vital Records?
Huntsville vital records are official documents that record life events that happened within the borders of the city. The vital records include birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. Access to some Huntsville vital records is restricted to certain individuals.
Huntsville marriage records and divorce records are in the custody of the Madison County Probate Court and Madison County Circuit Clerk respectively. The Madison County Health Department and the Alabama Department of Public Health processes requests for all Huntsville vital records. Eligible persons can request vital records from any of the health departments.
Where and How to Obtain Huntsville Divorce Records?
Huntsville divorce records are available at the Madison County Circuit Clerk. To obtain a copy of a Huntsville divorce record, interested parties must fill out the Certificate of Divorce form. Include payment and submit the request in person or by mail to:
Madison County Circuit Clerk
Records Search
Family Court Division
Madison County Courthouse
100 Northside Square
Huntsville, AL 35801
Interested individuals can also request Huntsville divorce records from the Alabama Department of Public Health. It has records of divorce granted from 1950 to date. The first certified copy of a divorce record costs $15, while each additional copy of that record requested at the same time costs $6. Requesters can submit in-person requests for divorce records to the Madison County Health Department. They can also submit mail-in requests to the State Public Health Department or the Madison County Health Department. Any interested member of the public can request a Huntsville divorce record from these health departments because there is no restriction to accessing divorce records in the state. However, to obtain copies of divorce records a requester must provide necessary information about the divorce, present a valid ID, and pay the appropriate fees. The information needed to request divorce records include:
- Full names of the divorced persons before marriage
- Date of divorce
- Place of Divorce
To make mail requests for divorce records, interested persons should fill out the Vital Records Request Application form. The filled-out form, as well as a money order payment and a copy of a valid ID should be sent by mail to any of the addresses below:
Alabama Vital Records
Alabama Department of Public Health
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
Madison County Health Department
P.O. Box 17708
Huntsville, AL 35810
Make in-person requests by submitting the filled-out application form, with payment and a copy of a valid ID to Madison County Health Department at:
Madison County Health Department
301 Max Luther Drive North West
Huntsville, AL 35811
Phone: (256) 539-3711
Fax: (256) 536-2084
Where and How to Get Public Huntsville Marriage Records?
The Madison County Probate Court records all marriage licenses and maintains marriage records within the county. Interested individuals can request copies of Huntsville marriage records $ per copy. Huntsville marriage records are available to persons that make in-person or mail requests. A requester should submit a written request with the following information:
- Full names of the parties before marriage
- Date of marriage
- Place of marriage
Submit the written request for Huntsville marriage certificate and payment in person or by mail to:
Madison County Probate Court
Madison County Courthouse
100 Northside Square, #101
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 532-3330
The Alabama Department of Public Health keeps records of marriages performed in Alabama between August 1936 to date. Interested individuals can submit requests for Huntsville marriage records to the State Health Department and the Madison County Health Department. These health departments place no restriction as to who can get copies of marriage records. Therefore, Huntsville marriage records in their custody are open to public access. Requesters can obtain copies of Huntsville marriage certificates by making mail requests or walk-in requests. A requester will have to pay the required fees for copies requested and present a copy of a valid ID. The first copy of a certified Huntsville marriage record requested costs $15. It costs $6 for additional copies of the record requested at the same time. Requests for marriage records require the following information:
- Full names of the married couple before marriage
- Date of marriage
- Place of marriage
To submit mail requests for Huntsville marriage records, a requester should complete the Vital Records Request Application form. Make payment through money order and provide a copy of a valid ID. Attach them to the completed form and send the request by mail to:
Alabama Vital Records
Alabama Department of Public Health
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
Madison County Health Department
P.O. Box 17708
Huntsville, AL 35810
To make a walk-in request for Huntsville marriage records, a requester should take the relevant documents (the completed form, a copy of a valid ID, and payment) to Madison County Health Department at:
Madison County Health Department
301 Max Luther Drive North West
Huntsville, AL 35811
Phone: (256) 539-3711
Fax: (256) 536-2084
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Huntsville?
All marriage records in Huntsville are considered public.
Where and How to Find Huntsville Birth Records?
The Madison County Health Department and the Alabama Department of Public Health have records of Alabama births registered between 1908 to date. Requests for Huntsville birth records can be submitted to these health departments. A certified copy of a Huntsville birth certificate costs $15. Where the requester makes requests for extra copies, it costs $6 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Access to Huntsville birth records is restricted to the following individuals:
- The record’s subject
- Parent
- Legal guardian
- Spouse
- Descendants
- Siblings
- Legal representative of an authorized person
These individuals can submit mail or in-person applications for birth records. For each request, a requester must provide the following information:
- The full name of the record’s subject
- Sex
- Date of birth
- County or city of birth
- Hospital of birth
- Full names of both parents before their marriage
Interested individuals that want to make mail applications should fill out the Vital Records Request Application form. Make payment for the number of copies requested and provide a copy of a valid ID. Send the filled-out form, payment, and a copy of a valid ID by mail to:
Alabama Vital Records
Alabama Department of Public Health
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
Madison County Health Department
P.O. Box 17708
Huntsville, AL 35810
To submit in-person applications for birth records, take the relevant documents (the filled-out form, payment, and a copy of a valid ID) to the Madison County Health Department at:
Madison County Health Department
301 Max Luther Drive North West
Huntsville, AL 35811
Phone: (256) 539-3711
Fax: (256) 536-2084
Where and How to Find Huntsville Death Records?
Records of deaths registered in Alabama between 1908 to date are kept by the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Madison County Health Department. These health departments process requests for Huntsville death records. Access to Huntsville death records is restricted to the following individuals:
- The parents of the deceased person
- Spouse
- Descendants
- Legal representative of family or estate
To get copies of Huntsville death records, a requester should have the following information:
- The deceased’s full legal name
- Date of death
- Date of birth
- Age at death
- County or city of death
- Sex
- Social security number
- Race
- Name of spouse
- Names of parents
Applicants can submit mail and in-person requests for death records. To make a mail request for death records, applicants should fill out the Vital Records Request Application form. Enclose a copy of a valid ID and payment to the filled-out form, along with a copy of a valid ID and payment. Send these documents by mail to any of the mail addresses below:
Alabama Vital Records
Alabama Department of Public Health
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
Madison County Health Department
P.O. Box 17708
Huntsville, AL 35810
For in-person applications, submit applications to the Madison County Health Department at:
Madison County Health Department
301 Max Luther Drive North West
Huntsville, AL 35811
Phone: (256) 539-3711
Fax: (256) 536-2084
